Production Operator

Production Operator

Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Salary: £38,000 – £39,000 DOE + overtime
Shift Pattern: Rotating 3-shift system (Mon–Fri)
6am–2pm | 2pm–10pm | 10pm–6am
Hours: 40 hours per week

About the Company

 a global leader in advanced chemical solutions, manufacturing high-performance epoxy, acrylic and polyurethane products used across industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, healthcare and technology.

The Duxford site is a key global manufacturing and distribution hub, employing around 200 people and producing over 350 products.

The Role

We are currently seeking a Production Operator to join our chemical manufacturing team at our Duxford site. This is a hands-on, varied role where no two days are the same. You will work across up to 18 different workstations, operating plant equipment and chemical processes safely and efficiently to maximise production output.

You’ll work as part of a flexible, motivated team on a rotating shift pattern, with full training provided on a wide range of processing equipment – from planetary mixers to reaction vessels – used in the manufacture of high-performance adhesives.

A Typical Shift

• Start around 5:30am for coffee before shift

• Attend a handover meeting to review the previous shift and current priorities

• Rotate between different workstations during the week for variety

• Operate equipment such as 1,000-litre mixers

• Take samples to the onsite lab where required

Key Responsibilities

• Operate plant machinery to manufacture, fill and pack products in line with SOPs

• Set up batches, weigh, check and add raw materials

• Carry out manual handling tasks, including moving batch materials

• Complete all production documentation accurately and provide clear shift handovers

• Clean vessels and machinery between campaigns to prevent cross-contamination

• Report near misses, incidents and maintenance requirements

• Maintain high standards of health & safety, quality and housekeeping (5S)

• Work collaboratively to meet production targets and improve efficiency

Skills & Experience

• Experience in a manufacturing environment (essential) – chemical manufacturing advantageous

• Strong attention to detail and numerical ability

• GCSE Maths and English (Chemistry or technical qualification beneficial)

• Physically fit – role involves manual handling and being on your feet

• Forklift licence or willingness to train

• Computer literate

• Reliable team player with a flexible, positive attitude

• Strong awareness of Health & Safety

Career Progression

Huntsman offers genuine long-term career opportunities. You can progress into:

• More technical operator roles (complex and reaction batches)

• Cell Leader

• Shift Manager

Salary & Benefits

• £38,000 – £39,000 DOE

• Overtime available (1.5x Saturday, double time Sunday & Bank Holidays)

• Annual bonus (approx. 2% paid in March + possible Christmas bonus)

• Pension contributions up to 12%

• Private health insurance (company funded)

• Employee Assistance Programme (online GP, mental health & physio support)

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + day off for your birthday

• Holiday increases to 28 days with service

• Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave

• Cycle to work scheme

• Free fruit & onsite parking

• Training fully funded with access to 10,000+ e-learning courses